Expanded National Nutrition Program Act

Senate Office of the Secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 26 JUN 17 A10:10 Second Regular Session SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. _ 2272 (In substitution of Senate Bill Nos. 87, 219, 431, 902, 1145, 1192, 1207, 1312, 1375, 1471, and 1767) Prepared and submitted jointly by the Committees on Basic Education, Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform, and Finance with Senators Tulfo (R.), Pangilinan, Marcos, Estrada, Villanueva, Lapid, Villar (M.), Aquino, Ejercito, Tulfo (E.), and Villar (C.) as authors thereof AN ACT STRENGTHENING AND EXPANDING THE NATIONAL NUTRITION PROGRAM, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11037, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "MASUSTANSYANG PAGKAIN PARA SA BATANG PILIPINO ACT", APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. This Act shall be known as the "Expanded National Nutrition Program

2 Act.

Sec. 2. Section 2 of Republic Act No. 11037 is hereby amended to read as

4 follows: "SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. In recognition of the demonstrated relationship between food and nutrition, and the capacity of students to develop and learn, the State shall establish a comprehensive National [Feeding] NUTRITION Program that will address the problem of undernutrition among Filipino children. THE STATE FURTHER RECOGNIZES THAT ADDRESSING CHILD UNDERNUTRITION REQUIRES COORDINATED, EVIDENCE-BASED,

AND SUSTAINED INTERVENTIONS ACROSS ALL STAGES OF A CHILD'S GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT, FROM THE PRENATAL PERIOD THROUGH THE SCHOOL-AGE YEARS. TOWARD THIS END, THE STATE SHALL STRENGTHEN AND EXPAND THE NATIONAL NUTRITION PROGRAM BY HARMONIZING THE MANDATES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF NATIONAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES (NGAS) AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUS) TO ENSURE INTEGRATED, EFFICIENT, AND ACCOUNTABLE PROGRAM DELIVERY."

Sec. 3. Section 3 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:

"SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall be understood to mean as follows, to wit: (a) ADOLESCENT REFERS TO YOUNG PEOPLE AGED TEN (10) TO NINETEEN (19) YEARS, WHO ARE IN TRANSITION FROM CHILDHOOD TO ADULTHOOD; (B) Cycle Menu refers to standardized menus prepared by the [national government agencies (INGAs[)], in coordination with the National Nutrition Council (NNC), [and] the DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-NRI), AND LGUS, which shall be contextualized and drawn up, among others, according to age range, location and/or type of school, and local cultural and/or religious eating preferences: Provided, That such menus shall have as many varieties and selections as may be necessary taking into account its availability in the place or locality where the [day care center] CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER (CDC) or school is located; (C) EARLY CHILDHOOD REFERS TO THE PERIOD FROM BIRTH TO THE AGE OF EIGHT (8), REPRESENTING A CONNECTED AND PROGRESSIVE SEQUENCE OF DEVELOPMENT; [b](D) Fortified Mea/ x x x [e](E) Health Examination, Vaccination and Deworming xxx

(F) MILK-BASED SUBSTITUTE REFERS TO A PRODUCT THAT HAS UNDERGONE PROCESSING TO EXTEND SHELF LIFE, WHILE RETAINING THE ESSENTIAL NUTRITIONAL PROPERTIES OF MILK, WHICH INCLUDES, AMONG OTHERS, STERILIZED MILK AND POWDERED MILK; [d](G) National Government Agencies (NGAS) refer to AGENCIES INVOLVED IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL NUTRITION PROGRAM, INCLUDING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH), the Department of Education (DepED), [and] the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) [which shall be the lead agencies in the implementation of the Program for public kindergarten and elementary schools and public day care centers, respectively;] AND THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (DILG); [and] (H) NUTRITIOUS FOOD PRODUCT (NFP) REFERS TO READY-TO-EAT, FORTIFIED, OR NUTRITIONALLY ENHANCED FOOD THAT PROVIDES ESSENTIAL MACRO- AND MICRONUTRIENTS; (I) PREADOLESCENT REFERS TO CHILDREN AGED EIGHT (8) TO TEN (10) YEARS WHO ARE IN THE TRANSITIONAL STAGE BETWEEN EARLY CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE; (J) READY-TO-USE FOOD (RUF) REFERS TO ENERGY- DENSE, VITAMIN- AND MINERAL-ENRICHED FOOD THAT PROVIDES BOTH MACRO- AND MICRONUTRIENTS, AND IS IDEALLY SUITED TO THE TREATMENT OF ACUTE MALNUTRITION IN THE COMMUNITY AND AT HOME, PURSUANT TO GUIDELINES ISSUED BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO); (K) READY-TO-USE SUPPLEMENTARY FOOD (RUSF) REFERS TO AN ENERGY AND NUTRIENT-DENSE PASTE RECOMMENDED BY THE WHO THAT IS SPECIFICALLY

MANUFACTURED FOR THE TREATMENT OF MODERATE ACUTE MALNUTRITION IN CHILDREN AGED SIX (6) MONTHS TO FIVE (5) YEARS; (L) READY-TO-USE THERAPEUTIC FOOD (RUTF) REFERS TO AN ENERGY AND NUTRITION-DENSE PASTE RECOMMENDED BY THE WHO FOR THE HOME TREATMENT OF SEVERE ACUTE MALNUTRITION, TO BE CONSUMED WITH CLEAN DRINKING WATER AND BREAST MILK; (M) SMALL QUANTITY LIPID-BASED NUTRIENT SUPPLEMENT (SQ-LNS) REFERS TO NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTATION SPECIFICALLY FORMULATED TO PREVENT CHILDHOOD NUTRITION DEFICIENCIES; (N) THERAPEUTIC MILK REFERS TO A LOW-PROTEIN MILK FORMULATION CONTAINING MACRO- AND MICRONUTRIENTS RECOMMENDED BY THE WHO AND SPECIFICALLY MANUFACTURED FOR THE TREATMENT OF SEVERE ACUTE MALNUTRITION IN A HOSPITAL OR HEALTH FACILITY; [e](O) Undernourished Child refers to a child who has been supplied with less than the minimum amount of food[s] essential for sound health and growth. For purposes of this Act, it shall include children who are suffering from chronic hunger and malnutrition as well as those who are considered as wasted, severely wasted or stunted under the [World Health Organization] WHO Child Growth Standards; AND (P) UNIFIED HEALTH RECORD (UHR) REFERS TO THE INDIVIDUAL HEALTH RECORD OF INFANTS AND CHILDREN FROM BIRTH TO AGE FIVE (5), IDENTIFIED AS RECIPIENTS OR BENEFICIARIES OF THE NUTRITION INTERVENTIONS AND PROGRAMS NEEDED IN THE EARLY YEARS, DOCUMENTING

THEIR NUTRITIONAL STATUS, IMMUNIZATION HISTORY, AND HEALTH AND NUTRITION INTERVENTIONS RECEIVED.

Sec. 4. Section 4 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:

"[SEC. 4. National Feeding Program. - The National Feeding Program, hereinafter referred to as the Program, is hereby established to address undernutrition among Filipino children. The Program shall have the following components and coverage: (a) Supplemental Feeding Program for Day Care Children. - The DSWD, in coordination with the LGUs concerned, shall implement a supplemental feeding program for undernourished children with ages three (3) to five (5) years. The Program shall be administered in day care centers or in any other facility which can be used for such purpose: Provided, That the Program shall include the provision of at least one (1) fortified meal for a period of not less than one hundred twenty (120) days in a year: Provided, further, That in the preparation of fortified meals, the DSWD shall work in collaboration with recognized parents' organizations; (b) School-Based Feeding Program. The DepED shall implement a school based feeding program for undernourished public school children from kindergarten to grade six (6): Provided, That the Program shall include the provision of at least one (1) fortified meal to all undernourished public elementary school children for a period of not less than one hundred twenty (120) days in a year; (c) Milk Feeding Program. - The NGAs shall coordinate with the Department of Agriculture (DA), the National Dairy Authority, the Philippine Carabao Center and the Cooperative Development Authority for the incorporation of fresh milk and fresh milk-based food products in the fortified meals and cycle menu in accordance with Republic Act No. 8172, otherwise known as the "Philippine Food Fortification Act of 2000", utilizing, as far as practicable, locally produced milk in order to enhance

its nutritional content and, at the same time, help boost livelihood opportunities for local dairy farmers and the local dairy industry; (d) Micronutrient Supplements. - The NGAs, in coordination with the DOH, shall provide micronutrient supplements to the Program beneficiaries including the use of iodized salt in accordance with Republic Act No. 8172, otherwise known as the "Salt Iodization or ASIN" law; (e) Health Examination, Vaccination and Deworming. - The NGAS, in coordination with the DOH and LGUs concerned, shall conduct simultaneous health examinations, including, but not limited to, deworming and vaccination, as the case may be, to Program beneficiaries; (f) Gulalayan sa Paaralan. - The NGAs shall encourage their respective component units to devote a portion of their land or space for the cultivation of vegetables and other nutrient-rich plants as identified by the NNC: Provided, That component units lacking in land shall adopt modern gardening technologies with the assistance of the DA, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the city or municipal agricultural officers. Parents shall also be encouraged to maintain a similar program in their own backyards; (g) Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). The NGAs, in coordination with the DOH and LGUs, shall establish and maintain water and sanitation facilities, promote good hygiene and safe food preparation in all of its component units especially in areas devoted for the preparation of fortified meals under the Program; and (h) Integrated Nutrition Education, Behavioral Transformation, and Social Mobilization. The Program shall be complemented by a public health, nutrition, and values transformation campaign to promote a holistic and integrated approach to health and nutrition education. Orientation training on the objectives and mechanics of the Program shall be held among the personnel of NGAS and LGUs concerned, parent volunteers and the parent teachers associations (PTAs) to generate

support for the Program. The NGAs concerned shall also endeavor to mobilize community organizations to continue nutrition education outside of the school.]

SEC. 4. NATIONAL NUTRITION PROGRAM. - THE NATIONAL

NUTRITION PROGRAM, HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS THE PROGRAM, IS HEREBY ESTABLISHED TO ADDRESS UNDERNUTRITION AMONG FILIPINO CHILDREN. THE PROGRAM SHALL HAVE THE FOLLOWING COMPONENTS AND COVERAGE: (A) LIFE-STAGE INTERVENTIONS. - THE PROGRAM SHALL DELIVER THE FOLLOWING INTERVENTIONS ACROSS EACH LIFE STAGE, FROM THE PRENATAL PERIOD THROUGH THE SCHOOL-AGE YEARS: 1. PRENATAL CARE. - THE DOH, IN COORDINATION WITH THE DSWD, LGUS, AND PHILHEALTH, SHALL ENSURE THE DELIVERY OF COMPREHENSIVE PRENATAL NUTRITION INTERVENTIONS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN, INCLUDING MICRONUTRIENT DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION, COUNSELING, AND OTHER EVIDENCE-BASED INTERVENTIONS CONSISTENT WITH PREVAILING CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES, PURSUANT TO REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11148 OR THE "KALUSUGAN AT NUTRISYON NG MAG-NANAY ACT". IN SUPPORT OF THIS: i. THE DOH SHALL PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, INCLUDING TRAINING, TO BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS (BHWS) FOR THE DELIVERY OF PRENATAL CARE SERVICES; ii. THE NNC SHALL PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO BARANGAY NUTRITION SCHOLARS (BNS) IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PRENATAL NUTRITION INTERVENTIONS;

iii. THE LGUS SHALL IMPLEMENT PRENATAL CARE THROUGH THEIR LOCAL HEALTH CENTERS, AND SHALL ENSURE THE PROPER REGISTRATION AND ACCREDITATION OF BHWS AND BNS, CONSISTENT WITH DOH AND DILG GUIDELINES; iv. THE DILG SHALL MONITOR AND LEAD THE PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT OF LGUS IN THE DELIVERY OF PRENATAL SERVICES THROUGH LOCAL HEALTH CENTERS; V. THE DSWD, THROUGH REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11310 OR "THE PANTAWID PAMILYANG PILIPINO PROGRAM (4PS) ACT", SHALL MONITOR AND ENFORCE COMPLIANCE OF 4PS BENEFICIARY MOTHERS WITH CHECK-UP THE REQUIRED PRENATAL CONDITIONALITIES; AND vi. PHILHEALTH SHALL FINANCE INDIVIDUAL-BASED HEALTH AND NUTRITION INTERVENTIONS FOR PREGNANT MOTHERS, CONSISTENT WITH SECTION 4-F OF THIS ACT. 2. INFANTS AND CHILDREN FROM BIRTH TO TWO (2) YEARS OLD. - PURSUANT TO REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11148 OR THE "KALUSUGAN AT NUTRISON NG MAG-NANAY ACT", THE DOH, IN COORDINATION WITH THE NNC AND LGUS, THROUGH THEIR LOCAL HEALTH CENTERS, SHALL LEAD THE DELIVERY OF NUTRITION INTERVENTIONS FOR NUTRITIONALLY AT-RISK MOTHERS AND INFANTS DURING THIS PERIOD, INCLUDING THE PROVISION OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS AND THE ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATIONALIZATION OF THE UHR AND THE NATIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEM. IN SUPPORT OF THIS:

i. THE LGUS SHALL INTEGRATE CHILD HEALTH AND NUTRITION PROGRAMS IN THEIR LOCAL NUTRITION PLANS, APPOINT LOCAL NUTRITION ACTION OFFICERS, AND PROCURE, THROUGH THEIR LOCAL HEALTH CENTERS, NUTRITION COMMODITIES READILY AVAILABLE IN THE LOCAL MARKET, INCLUDING VITAMINS AND MICRONUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTS, FOR DISTRIBUTION TO TARGET BENEFICIARIES; iI. THE DILG SHALL MONITOR AND LEAD THE PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT OF LGUS IN COMPLIANCE WITH HEALTH AND NUTRITION INDICATORS, AS IMPLEMENTED THROUGH THEIR MUNICIPAL AND CITY HEALTH CENTERS; AND iii. PHILHEALTH SHALL FINANCE INDIVIDUAL-BASED HEALTH AND NUTRITION INTERVENTIONS FOR INFANTS, CONSISTENT WITH SECTION 4-F OF THIS ACT. 3. CHILDREN AGED TWO (2) TO FIVE (5) YEARS OLD. - THE DSWD, IN COORDINATION WITH THE LGUS, SHALL IMPLEMENT A SUPPLEMENTAL FEEDING PROGRAM (SFP) FOR ALL CHILDREN AGED TWO (2) TO FIVE (5) YEARS ENROLLED IN OR PARTICIPATING IN CDCS UNDER THE EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT (ECCD) SYSTEM ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10410, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "EARLY YEARS ACT OF 2013", REGARDLESS OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS. THE PROGRAM SHALL BE IMPLEMENTED PRIMARILY IN CDCS OR SUCH OTHER FACILITIES AS MAY BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE PURPOSE.

THE PROGRAM SHALL INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF AT LEAST ONE (1) FORTIFIED MEAL DAILY DURING ALL REGULAR OPERATING DAYS OF THE CDC. THE DSWD AND THE LGUS CONCERNED SHALL IDENTIFY UNDERNOURISHED CHILDREN AND UNDERTAKE MEASURES TO ENCOURAGE AND FACILITATE THEIR PARTICIPATION IN CDCS. UNDERNOURISHED CHILDREN AGED TWO (2) TO FIVE (5) YEARS WHO ARE NOT ENROLLED IN CDCS, AS WELL AS THOSE IDENTIFIED DURING PERIODS WHEN CDCS ARE NOT IN REGULAR OPERATION, SHALL BE PROVIDED SUPPLEMENTAL FEEDING THROUGH COMMUNITY-BASED OR OUTREACH FEEDING ACTIVITIES IMPLEMENTED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF BHWS. IN SUPPORT THEREOF, THE LGUS, THROUGH THE BNS AND BHWS, SHALL ENSURE THE IDENTIFICATION OF UNDERNOURISHED CHILDREN, PRIMARILY THROUGH THE OPERATION TIMBANG PLUS OF THE NNC, AND SHALL UNDERTAKE THE TARGETING, CASE MANAGEMENT, REFERRAL TO SPECIALIZED SERVICES OF MALNOURISHED CHILDREN, AND OTHER APPROPRIATE INTERVENTIONS NECESSARY FOR THE DELIVERY OF DIFFERENTIATED, EVIDENCE-BASED INTERVENTIONS; 4. CHILDREN AGED FIVE (5) TO EIGHT (8) YEARS OLD (KINDERGARTEN TO GRADE 3). - THE DEPED SHALL IMPLEMENT A UNIVERSAL SCHOOL-BASED FEEDING PROGRAM (SBFP) FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL CHILDREN FROM KINDERGARTEN TO GRADE THREE (3), REGARDLESS OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS. THE PROGRAM SHALL INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF AT LEAST ONE (1) FORTIFIED MEAL DAILY FOR THE FULL ACADEMIC YEAR, INCLUDING DAYS WHEN REMEDIAL, INTERVENTION AND SUPPLEMENTARY

LEARNING PROGRAMS ARE ADMINISTERED. THE DEPED SHALL ENSURE THE PROCUREMENT, PREPARATION, AND EFFICIENT DISTRIBUTION OF FORTIFIED MEALS, AND SHALL INTEGRATE NUTRITION AND HEALTH EDUCATION INTO THE CURRICULUM CONSISTENT WITH THE NURTURING CARE FRAMEWORK; 5. CHILDREN AGED EIGHT (8) TO ELEVEN (11) YEARS OLD (GRADES 4 TO 6). - THE DEPED SHALL IMPLEMENT A TARGETED SBFP FOR ALL UNDERNOURISHED LEARNERS FROM GRADES 4 TO 6. THE PROGRAM SHALL INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF AT LEAST ONE (1) FORTIFIED MEAL DAILY FOR THE FULL ACADEMIC YEAR, INCLUDING DAYS WHEN REMEDIAL, INTERVENTION, AND SUPPLEMENTARY LEARNING PROGRAMS ARE ADMINISTERED. IDENTIFIED UNDERNOURISHED LEARNERS SHALL CONTINUE TO RECEIVE SUPPLEMENTAL FEEDING THROUGH COMMUNITY-BASED FEEDING MODALITIES IMPLEMENTED BY LGUS IN COORDINATION WITH DEPED, BNS, AND BHWS, DURING PERIODS WHEN SCHOOLS ARE NOT IN REGULAR OPERATION; 6. PREGNANT ADOLESCENT LEARNERS. - IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SBFP, THE DEPED SHALL INCLUDE NUTRITIONALLY AT-RISK PREGNANT LEARNERS ENROLLED IN THE SCHOOL WHERE THE PROGRAM IS BEING UNDERTAKEN: PROVIDED, THAT IN ADDITION TO THE PROVISION OF FORTIFIED MEALS, SUCH PREGNANT LEARNERS SHALL ALSO RECEIVE DAILY IRON AND FOLIC ACID OR MULTIPLE MICRONUTRIENT AND CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS. SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS, THE DEPED SHALL ALSO ADMINISTER WEEKLY IRON AND FOLIC ACID

SUPPLEMENTATION TO FEMALE ADOLESCENTS, INCLUDING ELIGIBLE FEMALE LEARNERS IN THE ALTERNATIVE LEARNING SYSTEM, PRIORITIZING AREAS WITH HIGH PREVALENCE OF ANEMIA. THE LGUS, THROUGH THEIR CITY OR MUNICIPAL HEALTH CENTERS, SHALL PROCURE NUTRITION COMMODITIES AVAILABLE IN THE LOCAL MARKET, INCLUDING MICRONUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTS, FOR DISTRIBUTION TO PREGNANT ADOLESCENT LEARNERS. PHILHEALTH SHALL FINANCE INDIVIDUAL-BASED HEALTH AND NUTRITION INTERVENTIONS FOR PREGNANT ADOLESCENT LEARNERS CONSISTENT WITH SECTION 4-F OF THIS ACT; AND 7. SECONDARY BENEFICIARIES. - SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS, THE DEPED SHALL EXTEND SBFP COVERAGE TO SECONDARY BENEFICIARIES, INCLUDING CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES AND INDIGENOUS LEARNERS AS DEFINED UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11510 OR THE "ALTERNATIVE LEARNING SYSTEM ACT," OTHER MARGINALIZED OR VULNERABLE GROUPS, AND UNDERNOURISHED STUDENTS IN PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS. THE LGUS, THROUGH THE BNS AND BHWS, SHALL ENSURE THE IDENTIFICATION OF VULNERABLE GROUPS WITHIN THEIR JURISDICTIONS TO FACILITATE PROGRAM DELIVERY. (B) OTHER SUPPORT PROGRAMS. - TO COMPLEMENT THE LIFE- STAGE NUTRITION INTERVENTIONS, THE FOLLOWING SUPPORT PROGRAMS SHALL BE IMPLEMENTED ACROSS APPLICABLE AGE GROUPS: 1. SUPPLEMENTARY MILK PROGRAM. - THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (DA), THROUGH THE NATIONAL DAIRY AUTHORITY (NDA), AND IN COORDINATION WITH THE

PHILIPPINE CARABAO CENTER (PCC) AND THE COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, SHALL IMPLEMENT A SUPPLEMENTARY MILK PROGRAM TO SUPPORT THE SFP AND THE SBFP UNDER THIS ACT BY INCORPORATING FRESH MILK, FRESH MILK-BASED FOOD PRODUCTS, OR MILK-BASED SUBSTITUTES IN THE CYCLE MENU. THE DA, THROUGH THE NDA, SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SUPPLY MAPPING, PROCUREMENT, PAYMENT, AND QUALITY ASSURANCE OF MILK AND MILK-BASED PRODUCTS REQUIRED FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAM: PROVIDED, THAT THE SUPPLY MAPPING AND PROCUREMENT PLAN SHALL BE PREPARED IN COORDINATION WITH, AND SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE DEPED OR THE DSWD, AS APPROPRIATE, TO ENSURE ALIGNMENT WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THEIR RESPECTIVE FEEDING PROGRAMS: PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT THE DISTRIBUTION OF MILK AND MILK-BASED PRODUCTS TO PROGRAM BENEFICIARIES SHALL BE UNDERTAKEN IN COORDINATION WITH DEPED, DSWD, AND LGUS, TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION APPROPRIATE LOGISTICS TO ENSURE THE TIMELY DELIVERY: PROVIDED, FINALLY, THAT PRIORITY SHALL BE GIVEN TO THE USE OF LOCALLY PRODUCED FRESH MILK SOURCED FROM LOCAL DAIRY FARMERS, COOPERATIVES, AND DAIRY ENTERPRISES. MILK-BASED SUBSTITUTES SUCH AS STERILIZED OR POWDERED MILK MAY BE UTILIZED WHERE THE SUPPLY OF FRESH MILK IS INSUFFICIENT OR WHERE THE USE OF FRESH MILK IS NOT PRACTICABLE DUE TO LOGISTICAL OR SHELF-LIFE CONSIDERATIONS;

2. MICRONUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTATION PROGRAM. - THE DOH, IN COORDINATION WITH THE DSWD AND DEPED, SHALL PROVIDE AGE-APPROPRIATE AND NEEDS-BASED MICRONUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTS TO THE PROGRAM BENEFICIARIES INCLUDING THE USE OF IODIZED SALT IN ACCORDANCE WITH REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8172 OR THE "SALT IODIZATION OR ASIN" LAW: PROVIDED, THAT SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS, THE DEPED SHALL ADMINISTER WEEKLY IRON AND FOLIC ACID SUPPLEMENTATION TO FEMALE ADOLESCENTS, INCLUDING ELIGIBLE FEMALE LEARNERS IN THE ALTERNATIVE LEARNING SYSTEM, PRIORITIZING AREAS WITH HIGH PREVALENCE OF ANEMIA: PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT THE NNC AND DOST-FNRI SHALL COORDINATE CLOSELY WITH THE DEPED AND DSWD IN IDENTIFYING SUCH PRIORITY AREAS FOR EFFECTIVE PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION. THE LGUS, THROUGH THEIR LOCAL HEALTH CENTERS, SHALL PROCURE NUTRITION COMMODITIES READILY AVAILABLE IN THE LOCAL MARKET, INCLUDING VITAMINS AND MICRONUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTS, AND PROVIDE MICRONUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTATION SERVICES TO TARGET BENEFICIARIES WITHIN THEIR JURISDICTIONS; 3. HEALTH EXAMINATION, IMMUNIZATION, AND DEWORMING. - THE NGAS, IN COORDINATION WITH THE DOH AND LGUS CONCERNED, SHALL CONDUCT REGULAR HEALTH EXAMINATIONS AND PROVIDE APPROPRIATE HEALTH INTERVENTIONS FOR THEIR RESPECTIVE PROGRAM BENEFICIARIES, INCLUDING DEWORMING, IMMUNIZATION, AND OTHER AGE-APPROPRIATE HEALTH SERVICES, AS MAY BE NECESSARY.

THE ADMINISTRATION OF IMMUNIZATION SERVICES UNDER THIS ACT SHALL BE CONSISTENT WITH REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10152, OR THE "MANDATORY INFANTS AND CHILDREN HEALTH IMMUNIZATION ACT OF 2011", AND OTHER APPLICABLE LAWS, RULES, AND GUIDELINES. THE DOH SHALL LEAD THE NATIONAL FORECASTING, PROCUREMENT, AND DELIVERY OF VACCINES FOR CHILDREN, AND SHALL ENSURE THE TIMELY DISTRIBUTION OF VACCINES TO CENTERS FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT AND LGUS. THE LGUS, THROUGH THEIR LOCAL HEALTH CENTERS, SHALL RECEIVE, STORE, AND ADMINISTER VACCINES THROUGH THEIR LOCAL HEALTH CENTERS TO TARGET BENEFICIARIES WITHIN THEIR RESPECTIVE JURISDICTIONS. THE DEPED SHALL FACILITATE THE ADMINISTRATION OF VACCINES TO SCHOOL-AGE BENEFICIARIES BY COORDINATING WITH THE DOH AND LGUS AND ALLOCATING APPROPRIATE TIME FOR SCHOOL-BASED VACCINATION ACTIVITIES. TO STRENGTHEN IMMUNIZATION DELIVERY AND SUSTAINABILITY, THE DOH SHALL DEVELOP A MULTI-YEAR TRANSITION PLAN TO ENABLE DEMAND-BASED FINANCING AND FULLY OPERATIONALIZE SECTION 7 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10152. SUCH PLAN SHALL INCLUDE MEASURES TO ENSURE MARKET AVAILABILITY OF GUARANTEED VACCINES, ACTIVATE THE PRICE NEGOTIATION BOARD PURSUANT TO REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11223 OR THE "UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE ACT", AND FACILITATE THE TIMELY INCLUSION OF NEW AND COST-EFFECTIVE VACCINES IN THE NATIONAL FORMULARY;

4. GULAYAN SA PAARALAN. - THE NGAS SHALL ENCOURAGE THEIR RESPECTIVE COMPONENT UNITS TO DEVOTE A PORTION OF THEIR LAND OR SPACE FOR THE CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES AND OTHER NUTRIENT-RICH PLANTS AS IDENTIFIED BY THE NNC: PROVIDED, THAT COMPONENT UNITS LACKING IN LAND SHALL ADOPT MODERN GARDENING TECHNOLOGIES WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE DA, THE DOST AND THE CITY OR MUNICIPAL AGRICULTURAL OFFICERS. PARENTS SHALL ALSO BE ENCOURAGED TO MAINTAIN A SIMILAR PROGRAM IN THEIR OWN BACKYARDS; 5. WATER, SANITATION, AND HYGIENE (WASH). - THE DOH SHALL SET AND ENFORCE NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR WATER, SANITATION, AND HYGIENE IN ALL FEEDING AND SERVICE DELIVERY FACILITIES COVERED UNDER THIS ACT. THE DILG, DEPED, AND LGUS SHALL IMPLEMENT THESE STANDARDS ACROSS ALL LGU JURISDICTIONS AND SCHOOL-BASED FEEDING FACILITIES. WASH STANDARDS SHALL APPLY TO ALL BENEFICIARY AGE GROUPS COVERED UNDER THIS ACT, INCLUDING IN CDCS, PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AND COMMUNITY FEEDING SITES. THE NGAS, IN COORDINATION WITH THE DOH AND LGUS, SHALL ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN WATER AND SANITATION FACILITIES, PROMOTE GOOD HYGIENE AND SAFE FOOD PREPARATION IN ALL OF ITS COMPONENT UNITS ESPECIALLY IN AREAS DEVOTED FOR THE PREPARATION OF FORTIFIED MEALS UNDER THE PROGRAM; AND 6. INTEGRATED NUTRITION EDUCATION, BEHAVIORAL TRANSFORMATION, AND SOCIAL MOBILIZATION. - THE PROGRAM SHALL BE COMPLEMENTED BY A PUBLIC HEALTH, NUTRITION, AND VALUES TRANSFORMATION CAMPAIGN TO

PROMOTE A HOLISTIC AND INTEGRATED APPROACH TO HEALTH AND NUTRITION EDUCATION. ORIENTATION- TRAINING ON THE OBJECTIVES AND MECHANICS OF THE PROGRAM SHALL BE HELD AMONG PERSONNEL OF NGAS AND LGUS CONCERNED, PARENT VOLUNTEERS AND THE PARENT-TEACHERS ASSOCIATIONS TO GENERATE SUPPORT FOR THE PROGRAM. THE NGAS CONCERNED SHALL ALSO ENDEAVOR TO MOBILIZE COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TO CONTINUE NUTRITION EDUCATION OUTSIDE OF THE SCHOOL.

Sec. 5. A new Section 4-A is hereby inserted after Section 4 of the same Act to

read as follows: "SEC. 4-A. NURTURING CARE FRAMEWORK (NCF) INTEGRATION. - TO ENSURE HOLISTIC AND APPROPRIATE INTERVENTIONS, THE DSWD AND DEPED, IN COORDINATION WITH THE ECCD COUNCIL, SHALL INSTITUTIONALIZE THE NCF IN ALL PARENT-FACING PROGRAMS, INCLUDING THE 4PS FAMILY DEVELOPMENT SESSIONS AND THE PARENT EFFECTIVENESS SERVICE. CONSISTENT WITH REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11148 AND REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10410, IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES SHALL DELIVER STANDARDIZED, EVIDENCE-BASED, AND COMPETENCY-DRIVEN TRAINING ON EARLY STIMULATION, RESPONSIVE CAREGIVING, EARLY LEARNING, NUTRITION-SENSITIVE PRACTICES, AND EARLY IDENTIFICATION OF DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS. THE DSWD AND DEPED SHALL JOINTLY DEVELOP NATIONAL MODULES AND A CAPACITY-BUILDING SYSTEM FOR FRONTLINE WORKERS, IN CLOSE COORDINATION WITH THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY."

Sec. 6. A new Section 4-B is hereby inserted after the new Section 4-A to read

as follows: "SEC. 4-B. FEEDING PROGRAM MODALITIES. - FOR THE SFP AND THE SBFP, THE DSWD AND THE DEPED, IN COORDINATION WITH LGUS, NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS (NGOS) AND OTHER DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS, MAY ADOPT APPROPRIATE FEEDING MODALITIES SUITED TO THE LOCAL CONTEXTS, CAPACITIES, AND LOGISTICAL CONDITIONS OF THE SCHOOL OR COMMUNITY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING: A. SCHOOL- OR CENTER-BASED KITCHEN. - MEALS MAY BE PREPARED AND SERVED WITHIN THE PREMISES OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOL OR CDC THROUGH A KITCHEN OPERATED WITHIN THE FACILITY; B. CENTRALIZED KITCHEN. - MEALS MAY BE PREPARED THROUGH A CENTRALIZED KITCHEN THAT SERVES TWO (2) OR MORE SCHOOLS OR CDCS. SUCH CENTRALIZED KITCHEN MAY BE LOCATED IN A PUBLIC SCHOOL, ESTABLISHED AND OPERATED BY A SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE, MANAGED BY AN LGU, OR SITUATED IN ANOTHER APPROPRIATE FACILITY DESIGNATED FOR THE PREPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF FORTIFIED MEALS; AND C. OTHER COMMUNITY-BASED FEEDING MODALITIES. - SCHOOLS AND CDCS MAY ADOPT OTHER FEEDING ARRANGEMENTS CONSISTENT WITH THE PROGRAM GUIDELINES ISSUED BY THE DSWD AND THE DEPED, INCLUDING PARTNERSHIPS WITH LGUS, COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, COOPERATIVES, NGOS, OR SERVICE PROVIDERS: PROVIDED, THAT ANY FACILITY UTILIZED FOR THE PREPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF FORTIFIED MEALS SHALL MAINTAIN A STAFFING PATTERN APPROPRIATE TO ITS PRODUCTION CAPACITY, CONSISTENT WITH ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATION STANDARDS TO BE DETERMINED BY THE

DEPED OR DSWD, AS APPROPRIATE, IN COORDINATION WITH THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT (DBM): PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT TO FACILITATE THE DIRECT IMPLEMENTATION OF FEEDING PROGRAMS BY LGUS AND NGOS UNDER THIS SECTION, THE DEPED AND DSWD ARE HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO DOWNLOAD FUNDS DIRECTLY TO LGUS AND NGOS IN ACCORDANCE WITH EXISTING BUDGETING, ACCOUNTING, AND AUDITING RULES AND REGULATIONS. THE LGUS MAY ALLOCATE COUNTERPART FUNDING AND RESOURCES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SFP AND THE SBFP, INCLUDING THE USE OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION FUND, TO SUPPORT THE PROGRAM, AND MAY MANAGE THE DISTRIBUTION OF EXCESS PROCURED COMMODITIES TO THE HOUSEHOLDS OF BENEFICIARIES.

Sec. 7. A new Section 4-C is hereby inserted after the new Section 4-B to read

as follows: "SEC. 4-C. NUTRITION AND DIETARY STANDARDS. - THE DOST-FNRI SHALL SERVE AS THE TECHNICAL AUTHORITY ON NUTRITION STANDARDS FOR ALL PROGRAMS UNDER THIS ACT AND SHALL ESTABLISH AND REGULARLY UPDATE NATIONAL NUTRITION AND DIETARY STANDARDS FOR THE GUIDANCE OF IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES AND LGUS. IT SHALL ALSO PROVIDE TECHNICAL GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT ON MENU PLANNING, FOOD QUALITY, AND PROGRAM DESIGN, AND SERVE AS THE PRINCIPAL ADVISOR ON THE NUTRITIONAL SPECIFICATIONS OF ALL COMMODITIES PROCURED UNDER THIS ACT. FORTIFIED MEALS PROVIDED UNDER THIS ACT SHALL, WHENEVER FEASIBLE, BE SERVED IN THE FORM OF FRESHLY PREPARED HOT MEALS. NUTRITIOUS FOOD PRODUCTS MAY BE UTILIZED AS A SUPPLEMENT OR ALTERNATIVE WHEN THE

PREPARATION OF HOT MEALS IS NOT PRACTICABLE DUE TO LOGISTICAL, GEOGRAPHIC, EMERGENCY, OR OTHER OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS, SUBJECT TO NUTRITIONAL STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES ISSUED BY THE DOST-FNRI IN COORDINATION WITH THE NNC."

Sec. 8. A new Section 4-D is hereby inserted after the new Section 4-C to read

7 as follows: "SEC. 4-D. DIFFERENTIATED NUTRITIONAL INTERVENTION. - IN ADDITION TO THE REGULAR FEEDING INTERVENTIONS PROVIDED UNDER THIS ACT, THE DOH, IN COORDINATION WITH THE NNC AND ECCD COUNCIL, SHALL ISSUE GUIDELINES FOR THE PROVISION OF SYSTEMATIC AND DIFFERENTIATED NUTRITIONAL INTERVENTIONS FOR CHILDREN WHO HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH SIGNIFICANT NUTRITION DEFICIENCIES, BASED ON THE FOLLOWING PARAMETERS: A. FOR CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH MODERATE ACUTE MALNUTRITION, THEY SHALL BE PROVIDED WITH DIVERSIFIED FOOD THROUGH FORTIFIED MEALS, RUSF, VITAMIN A, IRON, AND ZINC SUPPLEMENTATION, AND OTHER COST-EFFECTIVE HEALTH AND NUTRITION INTERVENTIONS CONSISTENT WITH PREVAILING CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES AND STANDARD OF CARE, AND AS MAY BE UPDATED BASED ON EMERGING EVIDENCE; AND B. FOR CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH SEVERE ACUTE MALNUTRITION, THEY SHALL BE PROVIDED WITH RUTF, THERAPEUTIC MILK, VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENTATION, ANTIBIOTICS, DEWORMING, AND OTHER NECESSARY MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS, AS APPROPRIATE. THESE CHILDREN SHALL ALSO BE PRIORITIZED FOR IMMEDIATE REFERRAL TO THE NEAREST HOSPITAL OR FACILITY FOR TREATMENT. ADDITIONAL COST-EFFECTIVE INTERVENTIONS SHALL BE CONSISTENT WITH

PREVAILING CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES, STANDARD OF CARE, AND EMERGING EVIDENCE. THE DOH SHALL INCLUDE THESE INTERVENTIONS AS RECOGNIZED TREATMENTS FOR SEVERE ACUTE MALNUTRITION IN THE NATIONAL CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES AND NATIONAL FORMULARY. TO COMPLEMENT THESE, THE DOH SHALL LIKEWISE IMPLEMENT A PHASED AND PROGRESSIVE SCALE-UP OF SQ-LNS FOR CHILDREN IDENTIFIED AS NUTRITIONALLY AT RISK. THE DOH SHALL FURTHER ISSUE GUIDELINES ON THE IDENTIFICATION, TARGETING, AND CASE MANAGEMENT OF NUTRITIONALLY AT-RISK AND MALNOURISHED CHILDREN TO ENSURE THE DELIVERY OF THE DIFFERENTIATED, EVIDENCE- BASED INTERVENTIONS PROVIDED UNDER THIS SECTION.

Sec. 9. A new Section 4-E is hereby inserted after the new Section 4-D to read

16 as follows: "SEC. 4-E. ESTABLISHMENT OF A NATIONAL NUTRITION COMMODITY STRATEGY. - THE DOH, IN COORDINATION WITH THE NNC, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY, AND DOST, SHALL DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A NATIONAL NUTRITION COMMODITY STRATEGY, WHICH SHALL ENSURE THE AVAILABILITY OF DIFFERENTIATED NUTRITION INTERVENTIONS IN THE LOCAL MARKET, WITH THE FOLLOWING OBJECTIVES: A. ASCERTAIN AND ESTIMATE PROJECTED NATIONAL DEMAND; B. FACILITATE AND EXPEDITE MARKET ENTRY AND ACCESS; C. DESIGN AND ESTABLISH INCENTIVES FOR LOCAL MANUFACTURERS TO PRODUCE INTERVENTIONS LOCALLY; D. PROVIDE MECHANISMS TO IMPROVE ACCESS IN LOCAL RETAIL MARKETS, ESPECIALLY IN GEOGRAPHICALLY ISOLATED AND DISADVANTAGED AREAS; AND

E. DEVISE MECHANISMS TO EXPEDITE PROCUREMENT BY BOTH NGAS AND LGUS. THE PRODUCTION OF NUTRITION COMMODITIES SHALL BE INCLUDED IN THE STRATEGIC INVESTMENT PRIORITY PLAN TO ENSURE LONG-TERM POLICY SUPPORT.

Sec. 10. A new Section 4-F is hereby inserted after the new Section 4-E to read

7 as follows: "SEC. 4-F. FINANCING OF INDIVIDUAL-BASED HEALTH AND NUTRITION INTERVENTIONS. - PURSUANT TO REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11148, OR THE "KALUSUGAN AT NUTRISYON NG MAG-NANAY ACT", PHILHEALTH SHALL FINANCE INDIVIDUAL-BASED HEALTH AND NUTRITION INTERVENTIONS FOR PREGNANT MOTHERS, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN COVERED UNDER THIS ACT, AND SHALL: A. EXPAND AND INTEGRATE BENEFIT PACKAGES TO COVER A COMPREHENSIVE CONTINUUM OF CARE FOR MATERNAL, NEWBORN, AND CHILD HEALTH AND NUTRITION, CONSISTENT WITH CURRENT AND EVOLVING CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS OF CARE; B. INCORPORATE ESSENTIAL NUTRITION-SPECIFIC AND NUTRITION-SENSITIVE INTERVENTIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO MICRONUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTATION, VACCINATION, MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE MALNUTRITION, AND COUNSELING ON INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD FEEDING, INTO EXISTING PRIMARY CARE, OUTPATIENT BENEFIT PACKAGES, AND DRUG BENEFITS, ENSURING FINANCIAL PROTECTION AND CONTINUITY OF CARE; C. ADOPT STRATEGIC PURCHASING MECHANISMS TO INCENTIVIZE QUALITY, EFFICIENCY, AND INTEGRATED SERVICE DELIVERY ACROSS THE CONTINUUM OF CARE; D. FACILITATE REIMBURSEMENT AND INCENTIVES TO ACCREDITED PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS, INCLUDING

LGUS, FOR THE DELIVERY OF ELIGIBLE HEALTH AND NUTRITION SERVICES, THEREBY STRENGTHENING DEMAND-SIDE FINANCING AND REDUCING RELIANCE ON FRAGMENTED SUPPLY- SIDE PROCUREMENT SYSTEMS; AND E. ENSURE INTEGRATION WITH THE UHR AND OTHER NATIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEMS TO SUPPORT THE MONITORING OF SERVICE DELIVERY, HEALTH OUTCOMES, AND UTILIZATION OF NUTRITION INTERVENTIONS.

Sec. 11. A new Section 4-G is hereby inserted after the new Section 4-F to read

as follows: "SEC. 4-G. INSTITUTIONAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. - THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL NUTRITION PROGRAM SHALL BE UNDERTAKEN THROUGH A WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT AND WHOLE-OF-SOCIETY APPROACH. THE FOLLOWING AGENCIES SHALL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (A) THE DOH SHALL SERVE AS THE LEAD AGENCY AND SHALL PROVIDE OVERALL POLICY DIRECTION, COORDINATION, AND MONITORING OF HEALTH AND NUTRITION INTERVENTIONS IMPLEMENTED UNDER THE PROGRAM, INCLUDING THE ISSUANCE OF STANDARDS, PROTOCOLS, AND GUIDELINES CONSISTENT WITH THIS ACT; (B) THE NNC SHALL SERVE AS THE CENTRAL INTERAGENCY COORDINATING AND MONITORING BODY FOR THE PROGRAM AND SHALL OVERSEE NUTRITION SURVEILLANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISMS, AND THE INTEGRATION OF NUTRITION-RELATED DATA SYSTEMS ACROSS IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES AND LGUS; (C) THE DSWD SHALL IMPLEMENT FEEDING AND NUTRITION INTERVENTIONS FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE ECCD SYSTEM AND SHALL COORDINATE COMMUNITY-BASED AND OUTREACH FEEDING ACTIVITIES FOR UNDERNOURISHED CHILDREN;

(D) THE DEPED SHALL IMPLEMENT SCHOOL-BASED FEEDING AND NUTRITION INTERVENTIONS FOR SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN. (E) THE DOST-FNRI SHALL SERVE AS THE TECHNICAL AUTHORITY ON NUTRITION AND DIETARY STANDARDS UNDER THIS ACT AND SHALL PROVIDE TECHNICAL GUIDANCE ON MENU PLANNING, NUTRITIONAL SPECIFICATIONS, AND EVIDENCE- BASED NUTRITION INTERVENTIONS; (F) THE DILG SHALL SUPPORT THE LOCAL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAM AND SHALL MONITOR AND PROMOTE LGU COMPLIANCE WITH HEALTH, NUTRITION, AND SERVICE DELIVERY STANDARDS UNDER THIS ACT; (G) PHILHEALTH SHALL FINANCE INDIVIDUAL-BASED HEALTH AND NUTRITION INTERVENTIONS COVERED UNDER THIS ACT CONSISTENT WITH THE UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE ACT AND SECTION 4-F OF THIS ACT; (H) LGUS SHALL SERVE AS PRIMARY LOCAL IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS AND SHALL SUPPORT THE IDENTIFICATION, TARGETING, DELIVERY, MONITORING, AND CONTINUITY OF NUTRITION INTERVENTIONS UNDER THIS ACT, INCLUDING THROUGH BARANGAY-BASED NUTRITION AND HEALTH WORKERS; (I) THE DA, THROUGH THE NDA, AND IN COORDINATION WITH THE PCC AND CDA, SHALL SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY MILK PROGRAM UNDER THIS ACT, INCLUDING SUPPLY MAPPING, PROCUREMENT, AND QUALITY ASSURANCE; AND (J) NGOS, FARMERS AND FISHERFOLK ORGANIZATIONS, DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS, AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS MAY SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAM IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS ACT AND OTHER APPLICABLE LAWS."

Sec. 12. Section 6 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:

"[SEC. 6.-Creation of a National Information System. - The NNC shall harmonize all existing national and local nutrition databases from NGAS, LGUS and other relevant agencies of government in order to identify individuals, groups, and/or localities that have the highest magnitude of hunger and undernutrition. This system shall henceforth be utilized in monitoring the health and nutrition of all Filipino children, especially those covered by the Program.]

SEC. 6. NUTRITION DATA GOVERNANCE, INFORMATION

SYSTEMS, AND ACCOUNTABILITY. - TO ENSURE THE CONTINUITY, TARGETING, MONITORING, AND ACCOUNTABILITY OF HEALTH AND NUTRITION INTERVENTIONS UNDER THIS ACT, THE DOH, NNC, DSWD, DEPED, DILG, PHILHEALTH, AND OTHER RELEVANT AGENCIES SHALL ESTABLISH AN INTEGRATED, INTEROPERABLE, AND LIFE- STAGE RESPONSIVE NUTRITION INFORMATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM. (A) UNIFIED HEALTH RECORD (UHR). - THE DOH SHALL LEAD THE ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATIONALIZATION OF A UNIFIED HEALTH RECORD (UHR) SYSTEM FOR CHILD BENEFICIARIES COVERED UNDER THIS ACT, CONSISTENT WITH REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11223. THE UHR SHALL DOCUMENT THE CHILD'S NUTRITIONAL STATUS, IMMUNIZATION HISTORY, HEALTH CONDITIONS, AND HEALTH AND NUTRITION INTERVENTIONS RECEIVED. INFANTS AND CHILDREN IDENTIFIED AS MALNOURISHED OR NUTRITIONALLY AT RISK SHALL BE TAGGED AS PRIORITY CASES TO FACILITATE TIMELY REFERRAL, TARGETING, AND DELIVERY OF APPROPRIATE INTERVENTIONS; (B) CONTINUITY OF CARE AND CASE MANAGEMENT. - THE DOH AND DILG SHALL ENSURE THE INTEROPERABILITY OF THE UHR WITH THE IMPLEMENTING SYSTEMS OF THE DSWD, DEPED, PHILHEALTH, LGUS, AND OTHER RELEVANT AGENCIES TO ENSURE CONTINUITY OF CARE, PROPER TURNOVER, AND CASE

MANAGEMENT OF CHILD BENEFICIARIES ACROSS ALL LIFE STAGES COVERED UNDER THIS ACT; (C) NATIONAL NUTRITION INFORMATION SYSTEM. - THE NNC SHALL MAINTAIN AND MANAGE THE NATIONAL NUTRITION INFORMATION SYSTEM AND SERVE AS THE CENTRAL DATA REPOSITORY FOR NUTRITION-RELATED INFORMATION GENERATED UNDER THIS ACT. THE SYSTEM SHALL HARMONIZE NATIONAL AND LOCAL NUTRITION DATA SYSTEMS TO SUPPORT TARGETING, MONITORING, POLICY DEVELOPMENT, AND PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION; (D) NUTRITION-RESPONSIVE PUBLIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT. - THE DBM, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE NNC, DOH, AND DILG, SHALL ESTABLISH A NUTRITION-RESPONSIVE PUBLIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM THAT SHALL BE INTEROPERABLE WITH THE UHR AND OTHER NATIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEMS TO ENABLE THE TRACKING OF HEALTH AND NUTRITION EXPENDITURES AGAINST INDIVIDUAL AND COMMUNITY-LEVEL OUTCOMES. LGUS SHALL UTILIZE STANDARDIZED BUDGET TAGGING FOR NUTRITION-SPECIFIC AND NUTRITION-SENSITIVE INTERVENTIONS; AND (E) ACCOUNTABILITY, MONITORING, AND REPORTING. - THE NNC SHALL OVERSEE NUTRITION SURVEILLANCE, RESOURCE ALLOCATION ANALYSIS, PROGRAM MONITORING, AND ANNUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS TO MEASURE REDUCTIONS IN STUNTING, WASTING, AND OTHER NUTRITION INDICATORS. IT SHALL ESTABLISH STANDARDS FOR DATA GOVERNANCE, DATA SHARING, AND RECORD SAFEKEEPING, SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE DATA PRIVACY LAWS AND REGULATIONS. THE NNC SHALL SUBMIT AN ANNUAL REPORT TO THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS ACT, INCLUDING PROGRAM OUTCOMES, RESOURCE

UTILIZATION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POLICY IMPROVEMENT."

Sec. 13. A new Section 12-A is hereby inserted after Section 12 of the same

4 Act to read as follows "SEC. 12-A. PROCUREMENT FROM LOCAL FARMERS AND FISHERFOLK. - IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL NUTRITION PROGRAM, AT LEAST FIFTY PERCENT (50%) OF THE AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERY PRODUCTS REQUIRED FOR THE PROVISION OF HOT MEALS SHALL, AS FAR AS PRACTICABLE AND SUBJECT TO LOCAL AVAILABILITY, BE DIRECTLY PROCURED FROM ACCREDITED LOCAL FARMERS, FISHERFOLK, AND/OR THEIR COOPERATIVES AND ENTERPRISES: PROVIDED, THAT PAYMENT TO ACCREDITED LOCAL FARMERS, FISHERFOLK, AND/OR THEIR COOPERATIVES AND ENTERPRISES SHALL BE MADE WITHIN FIFTEEN (15) WORKING DAYS FROM COMPLETE DELIVERY AND SUBMISSION OF THE REQUIRED BILLING AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT IN SCHOOLS OR CDCS WITH LIMITED PROCUREMENT CAPACITY OR IN AREAS WHERE ACCREDITED SUPPLIERS ARE NOT AVAILABLE OR WHERE DIRECT PROCUREMENT IS NOT FEASIBLE DUE TO SCALE OR LOGISTICAL CONSTRAINTS, PROCUREMENT MAY BE UNDERTAKEN THROUGH THE COMMUNITY-BASED MODE OF PROCUREMENT ESTABLISHED UNDER

SECTION 4-B OF THIS ACT.

THE PROCUREMENT PROCESS SHALL BE STREAMLINED, TRANSPARENT, AND CONSISTENT WITH REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11321, OR THE "SAGIP SAKA ACT," AND ITS IMPLEMENTING GUIDELINES.

Sec. 14. Transitory Provision. - Within six (6) months from the effectivity of

this Act, the DSWD, DepEd, NNC, DA, DILG, and other concerned agencies, shall each update their existing policies, rules, and regulations in light of and relevant to this Act.

Sec. 15. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Rules and regulations

necessary for the effective and efficient enforcement of the provisions of this Act shall

1 be formulated by the DOH, DSWD and DepEd, in consultation with the NNC, ECCD 2 Council, DA, DOST-FNRI, DILG, and concerned LGUs, as well as other relevant 3 government agencies, NGOS, and development partners, and shall be implemented 4 within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act.

Sec. 16. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or

6 unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall 7 remain valid and subsisting.

Sec. 17. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or

9 other issuances or parts inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 10 repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 18. Effectivity. - Notwithstanding the non-issuance of the implementing

rules and regulations, this Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its 13 publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,